PMC Foundation Gala Honors Frederick Esgar

PMC Foundation Gala Centerpiece

Frederick Esgar, a staunch supporter of Prowers Medical Center, was honored and remembered during the annual Foundation Gala this past Friday, May 11^th.

The event was two-fold, honoring a man who devoted his time between his family and his community by offering financial support for numerous activities for many years and to help raise funds for a two year Foundation goal, the purchase of an MRI scanner for the hospital.

Carrie Smith, Foundation Chair

Foundation Chair, Carrie Smith emceed the event, highlighting the benefits of the scanner that will be housed in a new room at PMC, built specifically to assist patients and technicians who will operate the equipment.

George Gotto

George Gotto, Foundation vice-chair provided the gathering at the Cow Palace Inn of some of his fondest memories of his old friend, detail some of his likes and loves. “He certainly liked pie.  When Wiley held its auction, you didn’t get between Frederick and his bidding on a pie he had his eye set on, especially strawberry rhubarb.  We liked to go fishing, whether we caught anything at any of our outings.  And he also really enjoyed the salad bar at the Truck Plaza Restaurant.  Frederick thought that was the greatest thing.”

Gotto said Frederick also had his loves, “He had a deep love for his God, spending time at the Wiley Methodist Church and he and his wife, Jane, doted on their children. He loved this hospital and wanted to support it and his community as he did for many years.  Frederick was the stick that stirred the pot and added some spice to the stew.  He was my friend and I miss him.”

Amber Rider, a director of the Foundation, said the organization had raised approximately $92,000 on its two year goal to purchase the MRI scanner that has a price tag of $1.6 million. Following the buffet meal, attendees could begin texting any donations they wished for a portion of the evening, using a large screen to tally the results which alone raised $8,000 that night.

Almost 40 auction items were donated which generated additional funding through the talents of local auctioneer, Larry Lusher.

Esgar Family and Foundation Members

The evening was highlighted by the introduction of the Esgar Family who presented a $50,000 donation to the Foundation to aid them in their goal of purchasing the device by 2021, bringing the net amount raised during the Gala to $79,000.

Esgar Family: Shea and Matthew Reinhart, Janet and Jeffrey McClure, Rosie McClure (front), Julie and David Esgar

Brenda May, Foundation Secretary/Treasurer, remarked the title of the fundraising goal is “Priceless Pictures” referring to the clarity the new MRI unit would offer to those who needed its services. She said close to 8,000 pictures are taken to help treat patients at Prowers Medical Center, a number that translates to 800 families that benefit from the MRI each year.

By Russ Baldwin